Coronary Artery Fistula: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Coronary artery fistula (CAF), although one of the rare coronary anomalies, is becoming increasingly more detectable in the recent years due to advancements in cardiac diagnostic imaging. Its long-term prognostic implications and importance for the cardiovascular system remain a dilemma for cardiologists and patients. Based on a variety of haemodynamic symptoms and complications, cardiologists must be aware of the characteristics of CAF and the diagnostic importance of multi-slice CT in evaluation, pre-procedural management and follow-up. Both surgical and percutaneous options are available for symptomatic patients or those with complications, while management of asymptomatic CAF remains a viable alternative.

Mechanical Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Secondary to Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Pseudoaneurysm: A Unique Entity.

We present a unique case of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) secondary to external coronary artery compression from a left ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysm in a postsurgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) patient, subsequently sealed with a pericardial patch. We highlight this rare presentation of ACS in postsurgical AVR patients and the importance of multimodality imaging and treatment of this unique, potentially serious sequela. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Lead Perforation Into the Left Internal Mammary Artery Causing Circulatory Collapse After Pacemaker Insertion.

A 66-year-old woman underwent a pacemaker implantation following a symptomatic pause. The pacemaker lead inadvertently punctured the ventricle during implantation, penetrating through to the left internal mammary artery, causing slow hemorrhage. There was subsequent circulatory collapse with shock. We describe this rare yet life-threatening condition. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Activation of PPCI team in the octogenarian and nonagenarians population: real-world single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: Advancement in healthcare provision has led to increasing octogenarian ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentation to hospital for early revascularisation therapies. Limited literature to date exists to suggest octogenarian STEMI population; with majority of trials excluding these age group patients. Due to an ageing population, we expect increasing rates of STEMI in the octogenarian and nonagenarian population in the future. This study seeks to identify the outcomes of patients over the age of 80 presenting with STEMI and determine the factors associated with better or worse outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a single-centre retrospective observational study involving patients' age 80 or older presenting with STEMI between January 2014 and December 2019. Patient data were collected by chart review and analysis of the local STEMI database. Standard Bayesian statistics were employed for analysis. RESULTS: 1301 patients presented with STEMI during this period. 159/1301 (12.2%) were 80 years or older that fulfilled STEMI criteria, 35/159 (22.1%) were medically managed. 107/124 (86.29%) had angiographic evidence of acute total or partial thrombotic occlusion, and 97/107 were treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The activation ECG most commonly exhibited an anterior STEMI, while inferior STEMI ECGs had the strongest positive predictive value. PPCI group had a 30-day mortality rate of 20% (p=0.07) and 1-year mortality was 22.4%. Highest mortality was observed with cardiogenic shock, low ejection fraction, higher high sensitivity cardiac troponin T and creatinine at presentation. Conservatively managed patients had significant higher mortality rate (48% vs 22.4%, p=0.005) at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Patients over the age of 80 who present with STEMI and undergo PPCI have a significantly lower mortality rate at 1 year. These patients have a 77.6% survival at 1 year, with 92.4% likelihood of discharge to home (without need for long-term nursing home care). Cardiogenic shock in this group was associated with a 1-year mortality of 87.5%. Despite the advanced age, we suggest favourable outcomes described in the absence of patients presenting with cardiogenic shock.

Acute pericarditis as a primary presentation of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a highly contagious viral illness which conventionally manifests primarily with respiratory symptoms. We report a case whose first manifestation of COVID-19 was pericarditis, in the absence of respiratory symptoms, without any serious complications. Cardiac involvement in various forms is possible in COVID-19. We present a case where pericarditis, in the absence of the classic COVID-19 signs or symptoms, is the only evident manifestation of the disease. This case highlights an atypical presentation of COVID-19 and the need for a high index of suspicion to allow early diagnosis and limit spread by isolation.

Coronary no-reflow in the modern era: a review of advances in diagnostic techniques and contemporary management.

Introduction: Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, in particular acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the mainstay of treatment for obstructive coronary artery disease and AMI through the restoration of TIMI III flow. Despite good macrovascular flow, the myocardium can remain hypoperfusion due to poor microvascular perfusion, and this is referred to as 'no-reflow'. Various treatments have been studied with variable success in both prevention and treatment of no-reflow. Areas covered: This review outlines the cutting-edge diagnostic investigations which have been explored in no-reflow, allowing a deeper understanding of mechanism and microvascular pathological processes involved in its genesis. These include utility of novel MRI techniques and perfusion echo in conjunction with traditional approaches. Detailed review has been undertaken of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques to prevent and manage microvascular dysfunction associated with no-reflow. Particular attention was paid to the evolution and successes of various mechanical protection devices. Expert opinion: Most promising innovations in the diagnosis and management of no-reflow are evaluated, and future outlook is explored. Emerging advances in acute coronary syndrome have their findings applied a role in modifying the pathophysiology of no-reflow.